Melvin Randolph "Randy" Primas, Jr. (August 31, 1949 – March 1, 2012) was an American politician who served as the first African-American Mayor of Camden, New Jersey from 1981 to 1990.
[2] Before becoming mayor, Primas was the Vice President of Burger King Entities, an economic-development program sponsored by the Black People's Unity Movement.
[2][3] However, his support for several urban renewal projects, including the construction of the now demolished Riverfront State Prison, earned him criticism from some community leaders and residents.
[3] In 2002, Primas was appointed the first chief operating officer (COO) of Camden by the state government, shortly before New Jersey took control of the city.
[2][3] He retired from the post in 2006 following a public dispute with Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin over a memorandum of understanding which Primas had refused to sign.